Well historic approval for ancient site

The long-running battle to win recognition of one of the last remaining historic sites in Dorset, Tutton’s Well, took a dramatic and unprecedented turn on 23 July 2009.

Following a speech by ex-Mayor Cllr Eric Spreadbury MBE at the Chambers of Christchurch Council offices, when he praised the Friends of Tutton’s Well for their selfless works on the site for the benefit of the people of Christchurch, a short debate followed.  It resulted in the proposals to further restore the site to how it looked hundreds of years ago, being approved by the planning committee.

The Friends of Tutton’s Well and their patron, Tom Tutton, will donate and raise all the money towards four projects.  The works include the restoration of the Victorian cast-iron crank pump and stone trough; the re-build of the quay wall using original slabs of Portland limestone; the construction of the so-called dipping place; the erection of a historical ‘educational resource’ to inform the public.

According to the Friends of Tutton’s Well, the water that arises in Tutton’s Well originates from rain water that has filtered through the New Forest gravel beds, which were formed by the last Ice Age.   The president of the Friends, Reg Stone, said, “This gives the water its unique healing qualities, which have been used over the centuries for health giving purposes and especially for the healing of the eyes in the Priory of Christchurch and elsewhere.”

Reg is hopeful of the works starting almost immediately.  He said, “”Our vision to restore the importance of Tutton’s Well site, and the very welcome approval given, means that work can start this summer hopefully.  We are already assembling suitable materials and professionals to undertake the works.”